Communities received a visit from Santa Claus, with music, a special dinner, and the inauguration of Christmas trees.
The Christmas spirit took over Novo Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu, in Mariana (MG), with a program full of music and fellowship. The main squares of the new districts received illuminated Christmas trees, marking the end-of-year festivities and reinforcing a tradition that is already part of the communities´ lives.
Covered in the colors and glitter typical of the season, São Bento Square, in Novo Bento Rodrigues, and Santo Antônio Square, in Paracatu, received the decoration chosen by the residents themselves through the Samarco Comunica channel. With more than 90% of the votes, the same tree model was chosen for both districts.
The celebration, on Saturday (November 29), featured special moments: the arrival of Santa Claus delighted children and adults, while musical performances set the festive tone — Kamily Ribeiro entertained Novo Bento Rodrigues and Fabrício Rosa, “Negão do Piseiro”, brought joy to Paracatu. To top it off, treats, such as candies, popcorn and cotton candy were distributed, and a Christmas dinner brought residents together in a gesture of sharing and fraternity.
The Christmas lighting is already a landmark in the new districts and has been held annually since 2023, the year in which the first residents moved to Novo Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu. The event, as well as the others part of their cultural calendars, favors the strengthening of the neighborhood relations and the continuity of the community traditions.
“The Christmas decorations are very much expected by the communities. More than just celebrating the holidays, this initiative strengthens emotional bonds and contributes to the revival of traditions, allowing communities to take ownership of the new districts and re-establish their cultural activities and ways of life,” Stéfany Sidô Ventura, Social Responsibility (Social Impact) analyst at Samarco, says.
The lighting will remain until January 6, 2026, the date on which Epiphany is celebrated, marking the end of the Christmas season.